THE DOC REPLIES

I HAVE tinnitus and my doctor prescribed Cinnarizine tablets. What are they supposed to do?

This medication is often prescribed to offset ear problems. It is sometimes used to combat nausea and, to a lesser extent, dizziness. Tinnitus occurs when there is a constant noise within the ear. It can be associated with other ear issues, while dizziness and nausea can occur due to Meniere’s disease and labyrinthitis. I am not aware that Cinnarizine will actually affect the tinnitus, unfortunately.

IS it true meningitis is more common in winter months?

All infections which enter the body through the respiratory passageways are more likely in colder weather. Meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, is one of these illnesses. It can happen at any time of year, however.

CAN one get a kidney infection as a result of a tooth infection? I had problems with my kidneys after a bad tooth.

No. Kidney infections can come out of the blue. They are usually related to bugs passing up the kidney tract from the outside to the inside. If you are unwell for any reason, and this could be the case for any infection, you may be less active – and this is one of the things that can make you slightly more likely to suffer a kidney problem. If you’re poorly, the chances of suffering such an infection increase.

I have been told I have an iron deficiency. What has caused this?

We get iron, which we need to make healthy red blood cells, through our diet. It goes into the manufacture of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen. Red meat and green vegetables are sources of iron. Supplements help in the case of people who have unusual diets or who are anaemic. You can suffer iron-deficiency anaemia because of a problem manufacturing it from the bone marrow, which might be the result of some unusual conditions. You can also pick up iron-deficiency anaemia through blood loss.

MY eight-year-old son is a cheese addict – should we give him cheese before bed? Does it really cause nightmares?

As with all types of food, there is good and bad. Cheese is a dairy product so is high in calcium and vitamins. Yet it is also fatty and therefore shouldn’t be eaten excessively. But I’m not aware of any evidence suggesting it gives people nightmares.

WHICH foods should I eat to lose weight quickest?

It is not about what you eat but what you don’t! Obviously, to lose weight you need to eat smaller amounts and exercise more. Within that you should eat a healthy, balanced diet and make sure you have plenty of fruit and vegetables.

I’M 49 and having to pass water seven or eight times a night. I don’t have other symptoms other than tiredness and thirstiness. Is this diabetes?

If you haven’t already been to see your doctor about this then you should definitely make an appointment. It is normal to go to the toilet more often during the night as you get older. You don’t say if you are male or female. Women tend to go to the toilet in the night but not usually as often as you say. If you are a man, it might indicate the start of some prostate problems. However, it is important to rule out infection or diabetes and the only way to do this is to get it tested. See your GP soon.

I had cotton stuck in my belly button. I pulled it out but now it’s been sore and hasn’t healed in a couple of weeks. Should I have this checked?

Sounds like having something stuck in the tummy button has caused a local infection. This will often get better itself just by keeping the area clean and dry. If not, there are other treatments which might help. If it is smelly, uncomfortable or lasting a long time I would suggest speaking to your GP.